Man, I need to get into the whole blogging my life thing better... We will never have a the greatest blog on earth otherwise!

So I am learning, and I will do it more... I have drafts... just need to publish and let my adoring public love my work... *Silence.... Crickets chirping.... tumbleweed rolls past....* or not...

I have written a blog on my solo bike trip from UK to Portugal... I will make it live as soon as I have proofread and edited it... so bear with me... it is coming...

However in this post I need to discuss some bad news, with a silver lining...

Today was ment to be the beginning of a new chapter...

Family Practice ride! ...

We today (29th), just after 12:30, should have been at Paris airport unpacking our bikes to start an adventure in cycling. We planned to cycle from Paris to UK as a pilot test to see how our family copes with long distance cycle touring.

However I am saddened to report that we are not on that trip. We have missed that flight... we didn't even get up for the plane, or pack our bags... all because of one fateful day 3 weeks ago... What happened you ask.... Well, it was a family fun play time that day, tickles and silliness all around. Great day. During the playing around... my wife bumped her head. Nothing serious. Not even anything we thought too much about and continued playing… But the next day she had a tremendous headache…. And the next day… And the next… Finally we decided that something wasn't right…. So she went to hospital with her father – who works there. She got seen and did some tests and came back with no diagnosis. A few days later, all filled with headaches and dizziness, she went back to the hospital. This time she came back and dropped the bombshell that had been dropped on her: her diagnosis was Hydrocephalus. Water on the brain. A condition normally found in children, and quite possibly something she has had since childhood… but that bump on the head while paying with us was enough to bring it to light… we have been told that it is incurable. There is treatment available… but most of it requires surgery. She was told that she is to forget bikes as they would be too dangerous for her, and travel was certainly out of the question. This just 3 weeks before we were due to set out travelling! We spent 4 days in a depressive mood. Crying and angry at the injustice of it all… I also spent those 4 days researching the condition and procedures and the implications of the surgical interventions. Basically the doctors were telling us that our life -as we planned it and shared on Facebook and on here- was over. Freedom, adventure and an active amazing life, just an arm’s length away, was snatched from us… Everything we had planned, bought, worked towards…. Taken from us… My boys were excitedly looking forward to the adventure… My wife has since worried and stressed that this could break our family. We have all been heartbroken… But we are not stopped (nor are we breaking as a family)… My wife has gone from being a bundle of energy to being a frail woman, needing rest most of the day, being sensitive to noise, to light… and having headaches frequently. Doctors told her that the little knock on the head may have displaced the liquid already in her brain to cause her pain and to go to hospital. She was warned of dizziness which she has had frequently, and of vomiting. If she vomited, it would be an emergency session at the hospital. I can thank God that despite the dizziness and the feeling like throwing up, she hasn’t once thrown up. She is fragile. I have never seen her like this... and it scares me. She has days where she wakes up already in pain. Dizzy. Lack of appetite… Then she has days where she wakes up fine, but it only take a scream from the kids, or some banging noise and she is in agony again… she has little spats where suddenly she grabs me with a lack of balance. The doctor put her on a 3 week “watch” to see if she might be a lucky one and escape having surgery… if the pain eased, if the symptoms eased, they would recommend another form of less invasive treatment. She will never be rid of the symptoms entirely – particularly balance issues and dizzy spells, and the occasional headache. But it will be manageable with non-invasive treatments and a medication that the doctor has not specified yet. Only time will tell if she continues with sensitivity to light and sounds. The doctors have a certain bias over here, and for them Bikes and traveling is a “rich man's” exploit… certainly not something for a family, trying to live cheap. They have told her / us to forget travels… But we are not that easily deterred, and found out more about the condition. We have now turned to recumbent trikes after we read about other people with the same condition getting out there and riding. One of which is now touring USA, the other climbed the mountains around the Himalayas and another travelled from USA to Argentina! So we want to get my wife a recumbent and get us back out there. Safely, and securely. We want to build her confidence – as that took a serious blow, and show that we will not allow the condition to stop us living a full life… We are looking at the various brands of Trikes, and have settled on the ICE Trikes in UK – not the most expensive, but not the cheapest. We need something that will support her back, and in turn her head from being shaken/jolted. With a recumbent, she cannot fall down. Even with loss of balance, she only needs apply the brakes and she is safe…

This is the ICE Adventure Trike we so desire for Ligia

We wouldn’t consider these travels if it were unsafe… Challenging? Yes. Dangerous? No. Risky? Life is risky... so yes. We have read and spoken to people who have far worse conditions, including a man who fell a great height, broke his skull, spent a year in hospital, 5 months unable to speak and having to re-learn, and 14 years recovering… His right side of his body was/is practically useless, yet his dream was to cycle in Tibet. He did it. Despite his severe disability, he did it on his trike. If he and others can achieve their goals and dreams, so can we!

For this to all work... we need to modify the trailers and the bikes to better accommodate a crazy family like us...

Not just to buy special parts (that's expensive!)... I mean, modify what we have.

A friend of the family has offered his assistance as he likes metalwork...

So it has begun!

Weehoo Modification(s):

The Weehoo is already a versatile piece of kit. However we have seen some modifications that we would like to make to ours. (this has not started yet) but we now have someone who can weld who is willing to help us get the trailers and bikes as we need them... so it will be happening over this month...

1) The Weehoo as it is... on the other side (just in view) is the little tube that holds the flag... that will have to move too.

It will go from this...

2) To this! A complete bike rack trailer with mudguard. This set up will allow us to carry two normal panniers on the back of the Weehoo with the kids. We will also be putting a new tire/wheel on there for better performance - oh and lights... lots of them...

We also intend to add "ribs" to the Weehoo so as to hold things on the side like we did for our camping trip (See pic). They served as a really good bumpers when Ligia accidentally dropped the bike. The sleeping bag stopped the little one getting hurt. We want to make that storage space bumper a permanent feature...

Ligia's bike modification:

Ligia's bike is due to take the Weehoo, but we noticed that we couldn't carry panniers on the back of her bike because the pannier rack would be touching and actually damaging the Weehoo arm and the rack... This would mean that we would have to load trailers more or leave more behind (We are not light weight travelers... not yet...)...

So we looked that the pannier and the pannier bags. After some research we found a family that had managed to get the Weehoo and panniers and decided this was a must for us too.

So we fiddled around with it for a while... and finally came to a consensus...

Cut off the back end of the bike rack...

CAN IT BE? HE CUT THE RACK?

Yes... yes he did!

This little part...

Cut and painted professionally. Shortened and looking GOOD! :)

With this piece cut, the Weehoo bar fits over the rack, with space to spare!... AND the pannier bags fit either side, while still allowing the Weehoo its maneuverability in turns...

Last week end it was my eldest's birthday and we asked him what he wanted to do.

"CAMPING!!!" came the energetic reply after we had put up the old tent in the living room to see if it was still worthy....

So Ligia and I looked at each other...

"Sounds like a plan!" we both said with a smile...

Our little 3 man tent... to serve us 5?!

This was the "bag space" we had, minus the trailer spaces.

As our plans got underway we got all our gear and started sorting it, and trying to find the best way to load up 2 bikes, 2 trailers and 5 people...

We realised that we didn't quite have all the right gear... actually a lot of it was outdated (some items over 20 years old!)

The tent was a large 3 man that was 7 years old, the sleeping mats were over 20 years old, the sleeping bags were nearly 10 years old each... there were only a couple of items that were "new" less than 1 year old - but this is frugal living right!?

Food and kitchen stock for the trip...

Auxiliary camping gear from the Bug Out Bag kits... a slimming down was needed!

Front handlebar rack with essentials...

Anyway, it took us TWO DAYS just to organise our stuff! Then we had the task of loading it all up on the trailers, something we had never done!

We had all been out on the bikes, but never loaded with gear... we were getting nervous... and questions were swirling in our minds:Would we be able to pull the weight? Would it break the trailers? Will we pass out from exhaustion?

Etc etc...

Ultimately came the time to load up...

My Tandem Loaded up...

The Weehoo Trailer loaded with cargo...

Our girl Loaded on the Weehoo ready to go... :)

Stopping for a Break...

Setting up the smaller tent to put the trailers in...

We got to the camp ground and started setting up our camp.

We then realised we forgot the kid's toys!

But thankfully kids are more resilient than we give them credit: Pine cones, stones and a brush each and they were brush racing with pine cones! (for literally HOURS....)

Sticks and stones, pinecones and brushes... what more could you want?

Setting up the inside of the tent...

We found the famous "Eco-Via" which spans the coast of the Algarve. Following it was amazing!

The Trip was useful as we learned a few lessons (Another blog post soon to come!).

We learned about some limits we have, but we broke all our barriers at the same time!

The Dream is ever closer. Its going to happen.... and we are so happy we could burst!

Peace all!

]]>Thu, 22 Jan 2015 13:59:33 GMThttp://www.beyondtreasure.co.uk/our-blog/an-opinion-on-portugalToday I was asked to share my thoughts on Portugal in one of the Facebook groups I am part of. There is a family that wanted to visit. So I gave them my own run down of what I think of my home country...

"While I am no expert on Portugal, I have lived here for a few months now and have come back and forth for many years since a kid - and I was born in Lisbon...

Portugal does have its good and bad...

If you go to the North you have a similar greenery and climates to UK/France. Green places devoid of constructions, parks, sunshine, lots of rain, etc and a lot cheaper...

Along the coast, near Albufeira

Traditional foods of Portugal

The midlands of Portugal in the summer are like the baking deserts and the winter like muddy wetlands... (depending on year) If you like beach and go to the beach near the midlands, you will find miles and miles of beautiful beach totally empty... So its yours for the taking! (up near Coimbra etc) Rents and stays can be very very cheap!

Lisbon (and its surrounds) is a bustling city with crazy drivers... seriously... Road rage? Rally? All in the city... But some beautiful monuments and architecture from the renovation after 1755 earthquake. (and... very expensive as is expected)

The Algarve where we are based is stunning. It can be very expensive to rent etc but beach views and clean air are often worth it! We are in January and we have had a couple of days rain and a storm in 6 weeks! BUT, the majority of the time we have had sunshine and warm days - great for bike rides!

We have Beaches that are popular with the tourists and food that is suntouched just about everywhere - falling to the ground uneaten!

If you like healthy organic farmers markets, it can be much cheaper than in UK (everything is local or from next door in spain!)... and Ready meals can work out more expensive!

We are Vegan with some gluten intolerances... and THAT is tough, but even so, it can be done!

Fresh fish (caught one hour before), and bread are in good supply if you know where to look!

Portuguese people are generally friendly, very talkative and very nosey and even a bit judgmental - they will tell you what they think without a problem. Culturally there is lots of heritage and lots of patriotisum.

They appreciate foreigners who try to speak the language, and while there are those that try to rip off foreigners by charging 20 - 30% more on a bill, if you speak a bit of the lingo they don't try (in our experience!)

Most are kind and bend over backwards to help you.

There are some stunningly beautiful places, historic areas (castles etc) and many old fashioned pebble floored roads like was normal in use 200-300 years ago - don't wear high heels! lol

Hotels and hostels CAN get expensive if there are holidays or parties, carnivals etc.... So make sure!

Economically its not great. People are struggling - yet smiling! Technology CAN be more expensive than in other places, or can be cheaper once exchange rates are considered!

Healthcare is under a tight squeeze because of the cuts and other issues (my father in law is a Nurse in the hospital in Faro)

There is no benefit system! families are struggling. More than 1 child is considered crazy... we have 3!

Life is simple. Life is good. People come together more often for a coffee or cake. Its just lovely.

If staying and living for a few months, it is very pretty, very cultural and very much home to me and my family!

So... Come on over!"

In summary: I love my home country.

However I am not "fixed" to it.

I will travel with a Portuguese flag, but my identity? I want it to be World Wide... That is why we will do what we are doing!

]]>Thu, 15 Jan 2015 12:46:25 GMThttp://www.beyondtreasure.co.uk/our-blog/a-stay-in-a-hostel-in-edinburghI have done it! I got to Edinburgh! As soon as I stepped outside the heavens opened, and there came the snow! :)

So I made my way to the taxi ranks, and was straight away helped to a taxi. They took me to the Halfords where I had arranged to meet the man with the bike I have bought.

I know and re-iterate that I am well aware of the risks I took to get this bike and to fly to Edinburgh. Well aware.

But it was a risk I was willing to take.

After waiting and meeting the guy from eBay, John, he kindly offered me a lift to the Hostel as the snow had picked up and was not getting any lighter and I was so cold I was stiff...

So at the hostel I helped him unload the bike from the roof and walked in to the place... I was nervous!

This is my first stay in a hostel on my own... probably not my last though...

I picked a shared room with 12 beds. I figured those beds would be single sex.

Wrong.

After putting my stuff in my room, I got talking to some other people, in the kitchen and foyer and we sat down and chatted for a good two hours! We had: An Australian Girl, Belgian girl, German guy and me the Portuguese guy represented at the table.

After talking about politics, countries, drugs, hamsters, siblings, marriage, books, videos and general life from the countries we have come from and been to, we all retired to the same room!

The next day I took the bike for a spin. I took it all the way back to Halfords and as I did ruined my already old and nearly dead boots. So in I went to Decathlon to get me some new boots!

Best bit was going to two different bike shops and having them all tell me that my risk clearly paid off, as the bike is in very good condition and worth much more money. Tires obviously will need looking at soon, but most else is looking good for training. Then I had assistance with all I will need to wrap my bike up to take on the plane - so its all sorted!

I went to Tesco next door and did my shopping (with the intention to do enough for the week! lol) and bought some vegan cheeses that we cant get back home for Ligia as I know she loves them...

On my way back my little phone GPS froze and I took the wrong way... lost in Edinburgh.... I took a long route back, on roads I am sure I shouldn't have been on! But I got back in one piece, made an awesome mushroom and vegan sausage casserole with pasta, sat and made a new friend from Colorado USA, and then went to bed early for once...

The room has since had new lodgers and it smells like a guys room for sure and they ALL snore like helicopters taking off.... There is only one girl left in the room... I am sure she feels overwhelmed...

A few days ago we brought home my wifes bike. Like bringing home a newborn, we were very careful to make sure there were no bumps or scratches made to it! Then we had the issue of finding a space to put it... and the boys bikes... and our 2 trailers... oh... the house is becoming a bike warehouse!

It is a Wilier cittadella bike. It cost a pretty penny but thats okay, because we actually saved up for it!Here is the brochure for the Italian made bike... The Cittadella

It is my wife's first bike since she was a kid... and excited by it, she is!

So we have hooked up the child trailer to her bike and have been practicing around a local mini plaza near home. The boys have taken to their bikes like ducklings take to water... They are now racing each other and the yonger gets frustrated because his brother is faster on the bike!

We have been practicing "Follow the leader" where Ligia leads out, and the boys follow her.

I have also ridden the bike and it is a very nice ride! :)

I also took the bike and the trailer -empty- to go shopping. It was fun to walk into an Aldi with my trailer, pick up the shopping, pay, and then leave with it back in the same trailer... no bags used! (lowering my carbon footprint and plastic use!)

It fits a fair amount and I have gone shopping as an excuse to go on my wife's bike! :)

We have taken a few more rides/walks but this dodo here forgot his camera :(

I have encouraged my wife to ride on her own, about 4km there and back, to the beach to get a feel for riding on a road at speed - alone, as she is used to having more steel around her.... Timid, but courageous, she has been taking the challenge! :)

Tomorrow I fly out to Edinburg to collect my Tandem bike. Then things will really get interesting!

When I return to Faro, it will be 8 at night on a Saturday. To get to the train requires riding to the station - not sure how long it will take as it is quite far! After setting up the bike, sorting and riding it to the train station it will be quite late. So Ligia is going to join me via train, and cycle with me on the Tandem from Faro To Tavira... a 32km (24 mile) ride... at night... A new experience for us both, but we have hi-Vis clothes, and great lights.... so it should be fine!

Wish us luck!

]]>Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:51:27 GMThttp://www.beyondtreasure.co.uk/our-blog/so-2014-is-over2014 has been a year full of ups and downs...

Crying... and joy... and dealing with funny looks from family...

With the year 2014 ended we are still adjusting to having said goodbye to a "member" of our family...

Our car..

Our car is the latest casualty of our drastic downsizing. We were going to keep it to travel (as you see on our other page) but unfortunately the costs of insurance were prohibitive (Just under£3000 for a year) to have the car overseas again, and we worked out it was costing us £221 a month anyway... so we decided to say bye bye to the car. Not easy, but a necessary decision.

After an emotional send off, we caught a taxi, a train, a bus and a airplane to return us to Portugal - oh yes, we were in the UK for 8 weeks to sort things out... now we have come back!

It has been a few years since I last spent time in Portugal at this time of year (December/January)... and interesting it is too... its cold, yet warm... warmer than UK at least! You have to be fully dressed - inside. Touching a wall with bare skin is akin to touching the fridge or freezer...

So here we are again...A few months ago our plans and goals were a little sketchy. A little off. Things had happened in such a way that we were still trying to decide what to do.

But we have had a chance to refine our plans - and here is where people think we are nuts.

We have no car, yet we still plan to travel with 3 kids and all the extras that involves.

How?

By Bike. (push bike)...

So we are not going to go far without the car right?

Wrong... :)

We are buying the kit we need to take the kids and to travel. So far we have the kids trailers... just missing our bikes now...

So to the left here is the double buggy for the 2 youngest. (Halfords)

On the right is the larger trailer to carry our eldest. (Weehoo!)

These trailers may cost a pretty penny, but will keep the kids safe and engaged with what happens around them... Although I get the feeling I will be breaking up fights between the two youngest ones quite often!

As they grow I will have to re-evaluate the trailers and bikes.

Meanwhile I am going to collect my new bike... not from down the road or a few miles away... no no...

I am flying to Scotland... to collect the bike and bring it to Portugal... It is cheaper... !

It's not all set in stone nor is it all finalised as to what bike my wife and Eldest will get.